PHILIPRISING Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 I can understand why promoters might want to do it, but a supposedly independent media should be more circumspect. On this basis, it also might lead one to wonder how accurate some of the reported GP figures are, especially given the round numbers in some cases. LIKE it or not those working for the media as speedway correspondents at that time were happy to see somewhat inflated figures filtering back to their own Sports Editors so unlikely to seriously challenge. As far as 1981 was concerned, it was a while after the Final that the figure of 72,000 (or thereabouts) was revealed. It is quite common practice for figures to be rounded up. The Millennium do provide an exact figure but, for example, 41,798 would most likely end up as 42,000. That's just the way it is. Although the FIM/IMG seem curiously reluctant to publish the attendance figures for the other GPs these days. They used to publish an annual summary on the FIM website, but I haven't been able to find this in recent years... ACTUALLY figures are available to the media at many GPs, especially those in Poland which are more often than not are sell-out, capacity crowds anyway and easy to work out. Ullevi in Sweden and PARKEN in Copenhagen, like the Millennium, provide the media with the numbers. Phil have you a vested interest ? to dismiss it as a option is madness?This has been discussed before and you have always been mega negative dont no why ?.If Wembley is available, Cardiff is in the background for you to dismiss it makes me no sense. YOU have asked that question before and the answer was and is NO other than wishing to see the British GP be as successful and well-attended as possible because that reflects well on the sport and could, if others were to get off their backsides, benefit speedway in this country as a whole. And, for the one millionth (at least) time of stating, Wembley doesn't have a roof. Why would anyone risk millions of pounds when there is a perfect stadium readily available with a roof which not only guarantees the event going ahead but also enhances the atmosphere inside a stadium which (like Wembley should it be used) will probably only ever be around half full. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humphrey Appleby Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 ACTUALLY figures are available to the media at many GPs, especially those in Poland which are more often than not are sell-out, capacity crowds anyway and easy to work out.Ullevi in Sweden and PARKEN in Copenhagen, like the Millennium, provide the media with the numbers. Why then have the FIM (apparently) stopped publishing the attendances for all rounds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HasseHolmqvist Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 It is old ground Phil so I agree we'd best not labour the point - but to me, to dismiss entitely the possibility of our sport being staged in what shall later this year become the most famous stadium in the world, shows how lacking in ambition we've now become... Not really true, the most famous stadium in the world has been demolished and replaced with a ultra modern showpiece .... best track and place for a world final .... odsal by a distance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Not really true, the most famous stadium in the world has been demolished and replaced with a ultra modern showpiece .... best track and place for a world final .... odsal by a distance You're misunderstanding. I'm not talking about Wembley - my reference was (the clue was in the mention of it becoming the most famous stadium in the world "later this year"!) to the new Olympic Stadium..!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Why then have the FIM (apparently) stopped publishing the attendances for all rounds? NO idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickthemuppet Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 YOU have asked that question before and the answer was and is NO other than wishing to see the British GP be as successful and well-attended as possible because that reflects well on the sport and could, if others were to get off their backsides, benefit speedway in this country as a whole. And, for the one millionth (at least) time of stating, Wembley doesn't have a roof. Why would anyone risk millions of pounds when there is a perfect stadium readily available with a roof which not only guarantees the event going ahead but also enhances the atmosphere inside a stadium which (like Wembley should it be used) will probably only ever be around half full. So why do the GP's go to Vojens and Ullevi then Two of the places where a meeting can be called off because of the weather. Goteburg(Ullevi) has 163 days when it rains on average per year so why risk millions as you say having a GP there. A far bigger risk than Wembley or the Olympic stadium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 So why do the GP's go to Vojens and Ullevi then Two of the places where a meeting can be called off because of the weather. Goteburg(Ullevi) has 163 days when it rains on average per year so why risk millions as you say having a GP there. A far bigger risk than Wembley or the Olympic stadium. Mick we have to keep Cardiff for ever because it has a roof? madness Wembley, the Olympic stadium and Odsal would rival Cardiff easily if given the chance no chance though to many people with there own hidden agendas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 So why do the GP's go to Vojens and Ullevi then Two of the places where a meeting can be called off because of the weather. Goteburg(Ullevi) has 163 days when it rains on average per year so why risk millions as you say having a GP there. A far bigger risk than Wembley or the Olympic stadium. Ullevi is indeed surely the wettest sports stadium on earth! I'm still drying out from my trip there in '77!! The number of WFs and GPs there which have suffered shocking conditions is extraordinary yet as you say, it remains on the roster!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 ODSAL rivals the Millennium? Are you completely bonkers! The British GP is the showpiece event of the series. A roof is essential given the huge outlay. Why Sidney do you find that so tough to grasp? Plus all the other amenities - wonderful facilities for the hugely popular VIP Methanol Club, corporate boxes, new million pound screens, etc, etc, etc. It was interesting when the question of Wembley was raised at Cardiff two years ago during the Methanol Club lunch attended by over 300 people. When IMG's Rob Armstrong say there were no plans to move from Cardiff the room erupted in applause. I am sure the Swedish GP will move to Stockholm and a stadium with a roof in the not too distant future. At present there is no alternative to Ullevi. Vojens is a totally different kettle of fish and is not a BSI promoted event. I keep promising myself not to continue with this debate, as it has been done to death, but hopefully I will now do just that.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Sorry to 'tempt' you Phil, but you rarely seem to respond to the Olympic Stadium sub-theme.. Other than to say (obviously) that, the Startford/Bow site too has no roof... I'd imagine laying a track there would be somewhat easier than at either Cardiff or Wembley...? Do you have any feelings about the site being used for Speedway..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 ODSAL rivals the Millennium? Are you completely bonkers! The British GP is the showpiece event of the series. A roof is essential given the huge outlay. Why Sidney do you find that so tough to grasp? Plus all the other amenities - wonderful facilities for the hugely popular VIP Methanol Club, corporate boxes, new million pound screens, etc, etc, etc. It was interesting when the question of Wembley was raised at Cardiff two years ago during the Methanol Club lunch attended by over 300 people. When IMG's Rob Armstrong say there were no plans to move from Cardiff the room erupted in applause. I am sure the Swedish GP will move to Stockholm and a stadium with a roof in the not too distant future. At present there is no alternative to Ullevi. Vojens is a totally different kettle of fish and is not a BSI promoted event. I keep promising myself not to continue with this debate, as it has been done to death, but hopefully I will now do just that.. Another post mentioned the roof not me Gothenburg? but you never answered is Cardiff set in stone forever?.Odsal in my mind a much better racing track than Cardiff exspecially if they really banked it up the potential is there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humphrey Appleby Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) It was interesting when the question of Wembley was raised at Cardiff two years ago during the Methanol Club lunch attended by over 300 people. When IMG's Rob Armstrong say there were no plans to move from Cardiff the room erupted in applause. Yes, but it's rather preaching to the converted isn't it? Would a London GP attract more than 300 people to the Methanol Club lunch? Sorry to 'tempt' you Phil, but you rarely seem to respond to the Olympic Stadium sub-theme.. Other than to say (obviously) that, the Startford/Bow site too has no roof... I'd imagine laying a track there would be somewhat easier than at either Cardiff or Wembley...? Do you have any feelings about the site being used for Speedway..? Well let's ask the question directly... It's known that IMG were interested in running the Olympic Stadium after the Olympics. If they'd been successful rather than losing a fortune on the venture, were there any plans (tentative or otherwise) to move the British GP there? Edited February 12, 2012 by Humphrey Appleby 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Yes, but it's rather preaching to the converted isn't it? Would a London GP attract more than 300 people to the Methanol Club lunch? It's quite an image this isn't it, the Methanol Club lunch!! Do they eat there or just dine out on the sweet fumes!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 NEVER was very good at keeping a promise, even to myself. OF course Cardiff isn't set in stone forever - what is? - but there is a long term contract in place and both the Welsh Assembly and the city council are strong supporters as well. It ticks all the boxes. Humphrey: the number at the lunch was immaterial but was indicative of the of the feelings of many attending the British GP. The people there are 'converts' as far as the British GP is concerned but not necessarily to Cardiff. To the best of my knowledge the subject of the Olympic Stadium and the British GP has never been seriously considered at IMG but I am hardly privy to everything that goes on there. As I keep saying: neither Wembley nor the Olympic Stadium has anything (other than a London location which, unlike some posters here, I don't consider significantly advantageous) that the Millennium hasn't. But the Millennium has one thing neither Wembley or the Olympic Stadium has. Clue: four letters, first one r. If the Millennium had nothing going for it OTHER than a roof then maybe the likes of Sidney would have a point. I have seen nothing at Wembley which would add to the occasion and I seriously doubt whether the Olympic Stadium could either. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 NEVER was very good at keeping a promise, even to myself. OF course Cardiff isn't set in stone forever - what is? - but there is a long term contract in place and both the Welsh Assembly and the city council are strong supporters as well. It ticks all the boxes. Humphrey: the number at the lunch was immaterial but was indicative of the of the feelings of many attending the British GP. The people there are 'converts' as far as the British GP is concerned but not necessarily to Cardiff. To the best of my knowledge the subject of the Olympic Stadium and the British GP has never been seriously considered at IMG but I am hardly privy to everything that goes on there. As I keep saying: neither Wembley nor the Olympic Stadium has anything (other than a London location which, unlike some posters here, I don't consider significantly advantageous) that the Millennium hasn't. But the Millennium has one thing neither Wembley or the Olympic Stadium has. Clue: four letters, first one r. If the Millennium had nothing going for it OTHER than a roof then maybe the likes of Sidney would have a point. I have seen nothing at Wembley which would add to the occasion and I seriously doubt whether the Olympic Stadium could either. got to say i share this view , cardiff is a far better venue than wembley or the olympic stadium, have you been in the surrounding areas around wembley and hackney these days ,to think 40,000 fans hanging around acton doesnt fill me with joy , london is only important to the people who live there , the rest of the country are happy for cardiff or any other stadium for that matter , why not have it indoors at the nec or other venues around the country , its a tempory track anyway so laying the track is not an issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 got to say i share this view , cardiff is a far better venue than wembley or the olympic stadium, have you been in the surrounding areas around wembley and hackney these days ,to think 40,000 fans hanging around acton doesnt fill me with joy , london is only important to the people who live there , the rest of the country are happy for cardiff or any other stadium for that matter , why not have it indoors at the nec or other venues around the country , its a tempory track anyway so laying the track is not an issue The Dean Machine would a London venue get a better gate? ten thousand more maybe if not more the curiosity factor of going back to the capital could be massive.Do i think having a gp really benefits the Elite League i would say no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 The Dean Machine would a London venue get a better gate? ten thousand more maybe if not more the curiosity factor of going back to the capital could be massive.Do i think having a gp really benefits the Elite League i would say no. i dont think it would get a better gate , it would put me off for a start ,i not haviing a go at this new manchester speedway stadium either but looking at the plans ive seen better stadiums used for training by football teams , it hardly looks state of the art and is open to the elements for a start of which manchester is well known for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 got to say i share this view , cardiff is a far better venue than wembley or the olympic stadium, have you been in the surrounding areas around wembley and hackney these days ,to think 40,000 fans hanging around acton doesnt fill me with joy , london is only important to the people who live there , the rest of the country are happy for cardiff or any other stadium for that matter , why not have it indoors at the nec or other venues around the country , its a tempory track anyway so laying the track is not an issue Hmm, well put it this way, they're choosing to stage the "greatest sporting show on earth" at the Olympic Stadium - so there's clearly not the concerns about the surrounding area that you expresss!! Comments about what it's like in Hackney generally aren't especially relevant, as the Olympic Stadium's not in that area! In truth the old Hackney Wick stadium was only barely in Hackney itself - it was a quiet backwater some distance away from not so great areas like Mare St., Dalston etc. Nearer indeed to Bow and Stratford. Bow and Hackney Wick are now very trendy - the biggest 'Arts Quarter' in Europe. Stratford has been transformed - you might know the new Stratford City Shopping Centre managed by the Westfield company and full of eateries and bars as well as shops. And a large number of hotels in the area now - nearly all of which built in the last few years. All indeed due to the Olympics. So to suggest the stadium stands in some derelict and nasty East End location, swathed in smog and frequented by descendants of Jack The Ripper and the b@stard sons of Ronnie & Reghgie couldn't really be further from the truth!!! The truth is that soon a massive stadium literally ideal for staging Speedway's biggest events will be sitting there virtually on the footprint of a former long-standing Speedway track and with owners literally desperate for it to have a variety of uses; and so for our sport to completely blank out even the prospect of using it would be a crime... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 BUT it doesn't have ... oh, why bother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) Hmm, well put it this way, they're choosing to stage the "greatest sporting show on earth" at the Olympic Stadium - so there's clearly not the concerns about the surrounding area that you expresss!! Comments about what it's like in Hackney generally aren't especially relevant, as the Olympic Stadium's not in that area! In truth the old Hackney Wick stadium was only barely in Hackney itself - it was a quiet backwater some distance away from not so great areas like Mare St., Dalston etc. Nearer indeed to Bow and Stratford. Bow and Hackney Wick are now very trendy - the biggest 'Arts Quarter' in Europe. Stratford has been transformed - you might know the new Stratford City Shopping Centre managed by the Westfield company and full of eateries and bars as well as shops. And a large number of hotels in the area now - nearly all of which built in the last few years. All indeed due to the Olympics. So to suggest the stadium stands in some derelict and nasty East End location, swathed in smog and frequented by descendants of Jack The Ripper and the b@stard sons of Ronnie & Reghgie couldn't really be further from the truth!!! The truth is that soon a massive stadium literally ideal for staging Speedway's biggest events will be sitting there virtually on the footprint of a former long-standing Speedway track and with owners literally desperate for it to have a variety of uses; and so for our sport to completely blank out even the prospect of using it would be a crime... is the olympic stadium in the LEZ charge , if so that rules out any fan who owns a diesel car or van over 2ton and 10 years old from attending ,unless they want to pay £200 a day Edited February 12, 2012 by THE DEAN MACHINE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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